If you’ve been submitting your blog posts to places like Digg, Netscape, ShoutWire and the like, you know how time consuming it can be.

Now the same guys who wrote Authority Black Book have come up with a tool that drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to do Web 2.0 promotion.

Here’s what it does:

* Saves and automatically processes logins for several of the most high-traffic Web 2.0 news sites on the internet.

* Easily archive your stories (blog post) to make every submission extremely easy and gives you the ability to recall it later.

* With the push of a button, the software fills the forms on these sites so all you have to do is review and submit your story.

* Enter the content of your latest blog post one-time and submit to all of the sites individually for maximum efficiency.

The reason I’m even recommending it is because it’s completely white-hat, and will save you loads of time in syndicating your blog articles.

Check out the demo of the Web 2.0 Submitter here.

Via WebProNews I learned that the guys at SEOmoz interviewed 37 leaders in the world of organic search engine optimization (SEO) on the various factors that are estimated to comprise Google’s ranking algorithm, and came up with an awesome summary representing “90-95% of the knowledge required about Google’s algorithm”.

Personally, although I keep up with the search engines’ changing algorithms, I never build sites solely around these factors. I’d rather focus on creating authority sites with unique content, using a mix of both, online and offline marketing and PR tactics. Unique content ensures that your Pagerank doesn’t fall, and is more likely to attract inbound, one-way links. It’s worth spending good money on creating unique content. On the other hand, the PLR content and article mashers that everyone is using, are a huge waste of time and money.

Keep in mind that websites that are user-friendly, easy to navigate, and provide the user with relevant and useful information, are also likely to be bookmarked more often by users. All the experts agree that social bookmarking is going to become even more important to your rankings in 2008.

I also think that repeat traffic will become more important (given that Google most likely has access to your user’s cache), so having a subscriber database, to which you can email updates and newsletters that bring visitors back to your site regularly, should always be part of your marketing mix. Despite the inroads made by RSS, email is still one of the most important ways of sending out updates.

It’s important to keep building links slowly and consistently, using press releases and article marketing, with some blogging and social marketing thrown into the mix. If you’re into video and podcasting, they can be valuable tools to build traffic, too.

I’m currently reviewing Mike Cheney’s Traffic Videos, and they’re an excellent resource that cover a wide range of marketing techniques - which really, is the best way to build consistent and repeat traffic to your website. Though there’s something in there for everyone, white-hat and black-hat, I’d avoid the black-hat if I were you.

But if you’re a serious search marketing expert, the SEO Report on Google’s Search EngineRanking Factors is available here and is essential reading.

Happy New Year, folks! I’m back from Goa and I’ll soon be posting some photos of my vacation on my Goa Beach site. This time I just visited my family so that my daughter could meet her cousins and be pampered by all my aunts. Also pigged out on Goan food so much that I HAD to make a New Year’s resolution to join the gym and work off all the holiday pounds.

I came back to this nice, insightful article by Rohit Bhargava of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, in which he take a stab at predicting the Top 7 Marketing Trends for 2007. I’ve paraphrased his points to reflect my own take on these predictions.

1. Corporates become more human: We’ll continue to see more “corporate bloggers” and more touch points for customers to interact with the true personality of a brand. Social media will play a bigger part in overall marketing strategy of corporates. The launch of sites like Sunsilk Gang Of Girls by HLL, clearly targeting their female audience, is evidence that the trend is even catching on in India in a big way.

2. Marketing with Widgets: Offering a free tool or widget has bcome an accepted marketing technique for marketers looking to offer a quick introduction to their service, or those seeking to create an online connection with customers.

3. SEO Is Dead! Long Live SMO!: It’s official, people. SEO is dead! Even hard-core black-hat SEOs now admit that their SEO practices are earning diminishing returns, and that SEO must evolve into what is being described as Social Media Optimization. SMO involves building traffic through blogs, tagging, social bookmarking and creating buzz online, moving far beyond linking strategy and smart SEO into the marketing mainstream. Hooks to allow site visitors to easily share and bookmark content may become more commonplace than those ubiquitous “email a friend” links, notes Bhargava.

4. AutoTagging and AutoSorting: In 2007, we will see more solutions like this that offer autotagging, autosorting and the next extension of this technology … auto recommendations, where new content of any format can be recommended and people can find new content more easily.

5. Social Bookmarking or Human Filtered Search: The exponential increase in the amount of content online, thanks to blogs and video sharing sites will continue to lead online users to search beyond the algorithm for new ways of finding information. Social bookmarking involves people sorting content on the web, creating their own groupings and sharing that with others.

6. Contentcasting via RSS feed: Contentcasting, spurred on by the now ubiquitous use of RSS, and the growing number of online users that have taken to RSS feeds in a big way. This includes videoblogs, audio podcasts, and frequently updated content in any area of the site - from a blog to a newsroom.

7. Online Identity Shifting: Having and sharing your identity online is hot right now. The appeal of sharing our lives with those we care about - through blogs, photos, videos, podcasts - will continue to represent a force in driving more people towards social media.

Within these online representations of self, brands and products will continue to play a large role. People will talk about products they like and don’t like - they will share brand experiences, and they will even become brand ambassadors for products and services that they care about. In this world where individual lives are shared online, there will be huge oopportunities for marketers in 2007, concludes Bhargava. I concur.

Tags: online marketing; seo; search engine optimization; blog; blogging; social-media; web 2.0; podcasting; public relations; social media optimization; tags; tagging; folksonomy; RSS

Methinks the easiest way to build a list nowadays is to write up a report and name it “The Death Of”, followed by whatever-it-is they’re talking about.

A while ago, it was Scott Boulch’s Death of Adsense report and now Mike Filsame’s written a new report titled, The Death Of Internet Marketing. Yawwwn!! I can just see another one on it’s way titled “The Death of Google Adwords.”

So what do I think about the latest report? Well, though well-written, you’ll find it says little that’s new. Especially if you’ve been keeping your ear to the ground and are aware of the changes that have been taking place online. And you don’t do that by confining your reading to newsletters from your favourite IM gurus.

No, you gotta read the mainstream marketing newsletters, like Marketing Vox, IAB Smartbrief, and if you live in India, Agencyfaqs and Aloo Techie. These are essential reading for smart internet marketers.

So what does the latest report state that we already know?

1. Internet marketing is saturated

Yeah, duh-uh!! I mean, aren’t we just soooo sick of getting the same old mails from all the lists we’re subscribed to? Too many gurus, too many products, too many JVs, too few clickthroughs. Little surprise then that I’ve unsubscribed from most of them. And opted out of doing JVs altogether.

2. The NICHE is where the money is

And that’s supposed to be news? At least he gives due credit to the book that started it, The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More, in which Chris Anderson revealed how “countless niches” are market opportunities for those who cast a wide net and de-emphasize the search for blockbusters. As I said in a previous post, the reason I got out of the IM niche is that I prefer to work in a few good niches that I’m passionate about, creating a great resource around that niche. I hope you have the good sense to do the same.

3. Web 2.0 is the new internet

User-generated content created by online communities (blogs, wikis, social networks, forums) is crucial for a business to grow online . These websites pull in loads of repeat traffic through unique content and viral marketing. YouTube is the most cited example. (While you’re there check out the video my brother made of my 2-year old nephew, Shane, banging away on his Dad’s drum kit. Ain’t he adorable?!)

Few people have the vision to understand how important it is to create an online community around you or your business. I hope you’re not one of them. I recommended this strategy to a client of mine almost a year ago, advising him to create a social networking site around his niche. We started with great enthusiasm but other priorities killed the initiative.

However, I did end up learning a lot about how social networks function and got the opportunity to test out some scripts. If you do want to start your own social networking site, the software I recommend is the AlstraSoft E-Friends online social networking software. It’s one of the best scripts I’ve tried. Of course, you’ll need a programmer to customise it for your site. And don’t start another “me-too” network. Try something new. Create a community around a niche no one has discovered.

As for me, I’ve spent the better part of the last six months nurturing a lively community of single women on the Ryze business nework, since I didn’t have the time or resources to start my own networking site. I’ve also started a blogging portal where I share revenue with bloggers whose blogs I help promote. I also share my take on spiritual and relationship issues with readers on my Soul Kadee blog.

And you know what? I LOVE what I do! Because it allows me to help people in so many ways. And for me, being of service is what my life is all about.

Going back to Mike’s report, he does go on to give some good ideas for creating businesses that will generate loyalty with customers and affiliates, as well as some important tips for keeping your business out of trouble with the authorities. And since the Death Of Internet Marketing report is free, I suggest you read it (and help Mike build his list while you’re at it ;-), of course).

Tags: the long tail, web 2.0, user generated content, Online Community, YouTube

Markets are conversations. Today’s customers are smart and networked. They prefer information gleaned through word-of-mouth marketing, to glib corporate-speak and impersonal business websites.

The networked customer regularly turns to the social media and online communities to learn more about your products. Blogs, social networks and forums are the sandbox for your networked community. (Source: Jupitermedia)

Businesses that learn how to become part of the conversation are the ones that will thrive in today’s market.

Learn more about Web 2.0 and networked communities here.

By: Doug Caverly

More and more people are finding blogs to be an effective business tool. Blogs can generate helpful feedback, solidify a customer base, and even draw in new clients. They are an especially cost-effective tool, as they can generally be maintained for little or no money.

“If you don’t know where to start, go with one of the big names, [such as] Yahoo! Small Business. Also, for experimenting with a blog, there’s nothing more simple than setting up one on Blogger.com.” Such is the advice of Rex Hammock, owner of Hammock Publishing.

James Governor, a technology analyst with Denver-based RedMonk, suggests using a tagging service such as Technorati.com as a way of building traffic to your blog. “A tag is basically a label you give your blog-say ‘professional services.’ Anyone who uses Technorati and has subscribed to that tag will receive a notification of your new blog entry on that subject,” he said.

Some businesses form blogs in conjunction with several other businesses. In instances where they offer complimentary services, this is mutually beneficial, resulting in increased recognition for all without any competition from within.

Ruth Bielobocky, president of Ion Design, offers both words of support and caution. “A blog can be a great part of your marketing effort, but it should be planned appropriately with strategy in place . . . . Don’t forget the true needs of your target audience. If the information from the blog doesn’t directly help them solve a problem or address their wants and needs, it will not work.”

Any blog, but particularly a business blog of which something is expected, needs to be updated regularly. It is generally considered best to have one dedicated writer, or at least a consistent voice between several contributors. And companies shouldn’t hesitate to solicit feedback from readers-that is a large part of what business blogs are all about.

Via WebProNews

There are 60 times more blogs than there were three years ago, says Technorati’s David Sifry as the latest “State of the Blogosphere” report upped the number to 35.3 million blogs.

Now you can read the latest gossip on your favourite celeb - straight from the horse’s mouth - because they’re blogging at Blogstar , a service that connects rich and famous stars with their fans worldwide using cellphones.

The service will soon feature celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, blogging about their lifestyles using camera phones and post pictures, text and even video to their personalized mobile blogs hosted on Blogstar. Hey, if Pierce Brosnan starts blogging there, I might subscribe
Via Amit Agarwal

“Are men more RSS savvy?”, was the question that poped into my mind as I read in AdAge’s 2006 Interactive Fact Pack data that 78% of RSS feed users are male.

It also notes that 70 per cent of media & communications companies are going to include blogs and social networks into their marketing efforts whereas 35 per cent are likely to spend marketing budgets to develop in-house blogs. Google’s Blogger.com has been found to be the most popular tool used for blogging. Via AlooTechie and PRMachine

Forrester reports that just 1% of online households in North America use podcasts. And they strongly favor listening to existing content like Internet radio or broadcast radio, not necessarily new content. Researcher, Charlene Li, notes that content that already exists such as earning calls, training updates, and executive presentations are all excellent fodder for podcasts. But she also recommends that companies shouldn’t be dashing out to create expensive original content for a small audience unless they gain value from being seen as innovative.

Adam Schultz reports on PubCon, with blogging advice from Jeremy Zawodny, Matt Cutts and Robert Scoble , on how A-list bloggers manage blog, work and home life. Scoble confessed that his wife lets him know when he’s slacking around the house because of work or the blog by flaming him on her own blog. Well, angry wives, there’s another way to communicate with your spouse…

David Utter profiles the agony of the the high-profile blogger, for whom sometimes the prospect of posting an entry can cause personal misgivings. ‘Be smart’ applies all the time, to any of the corporate bloggers.

A number of prominent bloggers are retiring, to pursue other avenues, reports News.com, including blogging pioneers, Dave Winer and Dan Gillmor. Winer, who popularised RSS technology, indicated that he intends to free up time and become less of a public figure — temporarily. His new projects include getting the students and faculty blogging at Harvard University. Gillmor wrote that he’d be ending his San Francisco Bay Area-focused blog, Bayosphere, to explore new projects. Via Lockergnome

Blogging curbs corporate excesses, notes Joy McCann, because consumers have more power now — via the Web — than they ever did before. Keeping up with online chatter is becoming paramount for companies that want to remain profitable.

Companies like McDonald’s, lock manufacturer Kryptonite, and computer firm Dell have all fallen foul of internet buzz in recent years. Because search engines like Google can allow grassroots campaigns to become highly visible, industry insiders agree decisions can be shaped by a small number of activists.

Martin Lynch observes how bloggers are influencing buying choices as the ˜blogosphere’ becomes more important than traditional marketing. A report from Jupiter Research warns that marketers need to be aware of just how influential the opinions of certain blogs are and how fast they can circulate in the blogosphere.

Takeaway: If your customers are blogging about you, you need to participate in the conversation.

Blogging can be good for your career notes C|Net News and The Boston Globe, which carried articles on how a well-executed blog sets you apart as an expert in your field.

Can blogging make you a full-time income? MoneyControl India says it can and so sure are they that blogs are where the money is, that they’ve begun a new series on ‘Professional Blogging as a Career’, promising to reveal how to make money out of blogging. At the Wall Street journal, the debate is still on. Via Om Malik

Learn all about Del.icio.us , the free service where thousands of people store their bookmarks, enabling you to see what’s trendy and popular, in this post by Andy Wibbels, author of BlogWild!.

And finally, here’s an excellent list of the Top Bloggers Essential Research Tools compiled by B. L. Ochman, with whom I share a love for salsa dancing (besides blogging, of course).

I think what AWeber, the autoresponder service, has done is ingenious. They’ve added the ability to detect updates to your blog through your RSS feed and combined that into their already powerful emailing system.

So now, every time you post an update to your blog, you can also choose to email it to your AWeber list.

Of course, the idea is nothing new. There are already services like Bloglet and Feedblitz that do this. But what they don’t offer is control over your list and the ability to use the autoresponder follow-up system with your blog.

Here’s how AWeber explains the new feature they call the Feed Broadcaster.

Use AWeber’s new integrated Feed Broadcaster to allow visitors to sign up for a traditional email newsletter on your blog or other website that uses RSS. The Feed Broadcaster will take your RSS content that is published thru your blog and automatically create an email newsletter sent to subscribers.

Within one hour AWeber will automatically grab the available RSS content from your feed and queue that content as a new broadcast in review status. You can choose to send those broadcasts or delete them. From that point forward newsletter broadcasts would be sent out to any subscriber on the list automatically when a new story is detected.

I completely support endorse the idea that you should give your website visitors the choice to subscribe and receive your content in the format and method they want. Allowing them to choose between email and RSS as their preferred mode of content delivery shows your visitors that you respect their choices, and that you are serious about doing business with them.

Awareness of RSS is quite low among Internet users. 12% of users are aware of RSS, and 4% have knowingly used RSS, according to a white paper published by Yahoo in October 2005. If you’re not emailing your blog updates, you’re leaving out a very large number of potential customers. In a previous post on RSS vs Email, I noted that smart marketers use both - Email and RSS.

The Feed Broadcaster system allows you to combine the power of an email follow-up system with RSS broadcasting. It truly represents the future of newsletter publishing.

* The words Blog and Podcast entered the lexicon and generated reams of pixel space and column inches.

* Bloggers were named People of the Year got book deals and got dooced.

* RSS became the new email - at least to those who understood what it meant.

* Google took over the world and became another Microsoft.

* Adsense spawned millionaires and click fraud.

* Yahoo and MSN launched their own search engines and gave Google some much-needed competition.

* Spam websites and splogs became a menace - and just as rapidly dropped out of sight.

* Broadband, Multimedia, Rich Media, Behavioural Targeting and Wikis came into their own and will be around through 2006 and beyond.

Personally for me, 2005 has been a year of momentous change - loss, grief, peace, success. I’ve been through it all.

I’ve grown as a person in ways that only life and experience teaches.

I’ve learnt a lot about happiness and love.

I’ve learnt to value what matters most.

I found peace and contentment in unexpected places.

And learned that they were within my reach all the time.

As 2005 draws to a close, and I get back to the task of running an SEO and online PR firm, I thought I would pen a few lines for you wonderful people.

Read them on the New Year Greeting card we designed.

And now for my final article of 2005. Feel free to reprint it on your blog or newsletter.

As you know, Wordpress is my blogging software of choice. It is also recommended by a lot of blogging experts.

But the learning curve to get used to this software has been pretty steep for a lot of blogging newbies.

Until now…

A guy called Sherman Hu has created a bunch of great videos to show you exactly how to get started blogging with Wordpress.

So if you’ve been trying to use Wordpress but feel intimidated by the learning curve, check out his no-cost video preview of the first 22 videos in the series, that will help you with blogging using Wordpress.

Check out Sherman’s Audio and Video Tutorials for Wordpress here.